Bananas can be a challenge to keep fresh at home, often staying green for an extended period before quickly turning brown and spoiling. The reason behind their short shelf life is the ethylene gas emitted by the stem, a plant hormone that not only enhances flavor but also speeds up the ripening process.
Since most fruits release this gas, having too many fruits together can lead to a bowl ripening rapidly and ultimately decaying. Bananas are especially susceptible to this effect, so keeping them separated can help maintain their freshness for a longer period.
One mother, Paula from Creative Housewives, has come up with a clever technique to extend the lifespan of bananas, even after they have been peeled and sliced.
Her ingenious advice involves an unexpected step: applying orange juice over the cut surface, as reported by Bristol Live.
Paula explains, “To prevent banana slices from browning, squeeze some orange juice and coat your banana slices with it.”
She emphasizes covering the cut ends as they tend to brown quickly.
While this trick may seem unconventional initially, it is scientifically valid. By reducing air exposure around the bananas, you inhibit the interaction between oxygen, ethylene, and natural enzymes in the fruit that leads to spoilage.
Citric acid in orange juice delays this process, effectively preserving the freshness of bananas for a longer duration. Additionally, citric acid prevents the growth of bacteria on the fruit, which can hasten spoilage.
To implement this method, simply peel and slice the bananas, drizzle them with orange juice, place them in a bowl, cover with cling film, and they will stay fresh for an extended period.
According to Paula, this straightforward tip does not alter the taste of the bananas, and the orange juice flavor is barely noticeable.
She experimented with lemon juice, which also contains citric acid, but found that it significantly changed the taste. Paula remarked, “The lemon juice flavor was strong, whereas with orange juice, I could hardly taste it.”
She added, “If I hadn’t added the orange juice myself, I wouldn’t have detected it.”
This innovative approach can help you enjoy fresh bananas for longer without any noticeable change in taste.